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Paul Jackson. On the road to success
Интервью · 22.02.2007
By 44100Hz
On the Maximum radio station there airs the currently topical programme Electroshock. Its author and host Ruslan Sever is engaged in promoting electronic music in Russia. In the "DJ on the phone" segment, Ruslan talks live with the best DJs of Russia, Europe and America. One of the show's recent guests was the well-known Englishman, DJ and musician Paul Jackson.
Paul travelled a long road in developing his craft, having been a resident on Ibiza at the club Amnesia, at the London club The Cross, as well as at Ministry of Sound for the Frisky and Move parties.
In 2001 Paul debuted his set on the "Essential Mix" programme on Radio 1; some critics still consider that performance one of the best in the programme's entire history, and the mix was also nominated as best Essential Mix of 2001 at the Muzik Magazine Awards ceremony.
2003 became a very important year for him as a producer and musician. Paul signed a contract with the label Underwater Records (owner Darren Emerson) after his track "The Push" became Essential New Tune on Radio 1 in January. Paul also displayed his talent as a musician, creating remixes for Dido, Tomcraft, Gus Gus, The Donatella Movement and Faithless's "Weapon of Mass Destruction".
44100Hz presents the print version of the interview between Ruslan Sever and Paul Jackson:
When did you start writing music? And why?
When you've worked as a DJ for a while, it seems like such a logical step, when you love music so much and love playing for people. It always interested me a great deal; I worked as a DJ for about seven years before I started writing my own music, and at first I did it out of curiosity, because I was afraid I'd be perceived the wrong way. My first pieces I wrote together with Eric Kupper, and my solo work I wrote for Defected Records. After that I started working with Mark Wilkinson on a new project that I spent two years on. In short, it's what I always wanted to do, I was just biding my time.
You have a good reputation both as a DJ and as a musician. Who do you consider yourself to be, which is closer to you?
Well, first of all, thank you. I actually love both, for different reasons. Being a DJ is amazing, because you can immediately see the effect you're producing, the instant reaction of the crowd, which you can't say about recording a track, when you sit in the studio, alone, and so on, and then after some time you present it to the public in the hope that they'll like it. So these are really two opposite kinds of work, but I truly love both and I can't even say which I'd prefer more.
What are you working on right now?
Quite recently I launched a new record label, Dozer Records, and the first releases belong to a band called "Japanese Popstars" (a trio from Ireland); I put out their stunning track "Rodney Trotter", which came out in a limited edition on vinyl and won an award. We're also preparing to release it digitally in about a month. We're going to re-release one of Man Parrish's tracks, "Hip Hop (Don't stop)", with a remix by May and by Alb Cope (from New York). Besides that, I myself am writing many, many tracks for various albums coming out at the end of the year. In short, lots of work and a very busy schedule.
Paul, we know that everything you create takes on a special style unique to you; what is the source of your inspiration?
It's a very strange thing — when I'm at home, I don't, for instance, listen to house music. To be honest, I'm often inspired by completely different styles, such as slow Hip Hop or some kind of slow compositions, and sometimes even rock music. It's just that something in them sometimes sparks and prompts me to compose. And yet there's so much good house music now that you can't help but be inspired by it, so many producers putting out excellent music. There are plenty of sources to draw inspiration from; I just try to stay on top of everything new.
You've worked with such well-known companies as Defected, Underwater, BMG. Which label did you personally enjoy working with most?
I was always on friendly terms with Underwater and with Darren Emerson, we travelled the world a lot, we talked a lot — that time was amazing. And so I'd give preference to Underwater. Darren and I have already talked about making a couple of joint tracks, and I think it'll be great, I'd really love to do it. I also have my own label, and I think everything will go excellently for us.
Every musician has a favourite work. Which of your tracks is your favourite?
Most likely it's "The Push". That track opened many doors, and wherever I go people want me to play it again and again. Every time I log on to myspace.com, people mention it. So that is my very favourite track. I also liked the remix of the Timberlake song that I made recently. The previous remix was rather commercial, but this time I tried to make it more underground, and that didn't come so easily to me. I hope Justin likes it.
What music would you recommend to our readers?
As for me, I love all kinds of music. So I'd advise listening to some of the people on my label: I recently made a track with a guy named Just Jacked, which came out in a large edition in the United Kingdom and made the top charts. He's a very talented guy and great success awaits him. His music is somewhat reminiscent of The Streets, but his style is softer, not quite Hip Hop. As I've already said, there's a lot of good music now. A couple of years ago compositions were released in accordance with some producer's particular standards, whereas now, all over the world, lots of guys are appearing who make music without leaving home, and that can't help but be a joy.
Your remix of the Russian track "Zavalyu snegom" became very popular. Is it difficult to make remixes of foreign songs when you don't know the language?
Actually, the first thing I did was ask them to send me the lyrics with a translation. And it was a wonderful experience. Sergey Pimenov is a great guy, it was a pleasure working with him. And although this track isn't so popular in England, when people hear it, it always stirs positive emotions. I enjoyed creating this composition; right around that time I was travelling a lot around Russia, I had, so to speak, a romance with Russia, and being there gave me enormous pleasure.
And what stuck in your memory most about Russia?
I always had a good time in Russia, it was always great fun. All the festivals I attended were amazing. And every time I come to Russia, I see it in a new light.
What else do you like to do besides music?
Besides music, I love spending time with my family. I have a 5-year-old son. I love meeting up with friends; sometimes we drink vodka and have fun. In my free time I listen to a lot of music — not house, as I've already said, but the most varied music: the classics, rock bands and so on. I'm basically like a music addict, I collect lots of different music.
It was a great pleasure talking with you, we eagerly await your new tracks. And finally, your closing words to our readers.
I'd like to thank everyone I've worked with, everyone I've ever played for. I've made a great many friends across Russia, and it was a pleasure working with you. I hope I'll be back soon to present my new work to you.
The programme airs on Maximum radio every Sunday from 21:00 to 23:00 (Moscow time). Details on the official Electroshock website.
Ministry of Sound's interview with Paul Jackson. Part I
Ministry of Sound's interview with Paul Jackson. Part II